Seven Quick Takes a Day Late

— 1 —

I’m dragging myself out of Les Miserables write this post. I don’t want to spoil it for those of you who haven’t read it, but it’s definitely an on-the-edge-of-your-seat part. Don’t worry, after this Hugo will go off on one of his tangents and I’ll slow down again. 😉

— 2 —

We just have a couple of weeks left of our first term doing Ambleside Online. I’ve been happy with the improvement in narrations from E, and the interest D has shown in his books, especially the Greek myths (he is doing D’Aulaire instead of Bullfinch) and Robinson Crusoe.

— 3 —

Speaking of Ambleside Online, here is a great post addressing some of the concerns moms who are considering it have. Her description of it as “satisfying” really resonates with my experience so far, and I like that she recommends easing into the curriculum and not worrying about doing everything right at the beginning.

— 4 —

A and D’s First Lego League team had their practice competition today – 4 hours long! And the real one in December will be 8 hours! Unfortunately, that probably means I won’t be going. 🙁 They did quite well today, for a first-year team, and still have a month to work on their presentation and robot programming.

— 5 —

The 3-year-old and 1-year-old are adding their share of excitement to our days, occasionally playing “nicely” (chasing each other and wrestling apparently count as nicely when you have boys), but more often fighting over the same toy…sigh.

— 6 —

Piano lessons have started up again, after our teacher took a baby break. I’m now hearing Christmas carols and The Great Gate of Kiev from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition during practice time. 🙂

— 7 —

Speaking of Christmas…gift shopping seems to be getting harder each year. There’s just so many toys already, that I don’t know what to get the little guys. I suppose R wouldn’t notice if he didn’t get anything, but I would…I guess it’s a “problem” to be thankful for, though – we are blessed!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!